Nelson City Council

(New Zealand)

Will Crummer is a living Pacific treasure – a master singer and encyclopaedia of Polynesian song.

The father of New Zealand singing star Annie Crummer, Will was born in the small village of Turangi on Aitutaki in the Cook Islands, where he grew up surrounded by music: the singing of his mother, his grandfather’s wind-up gramophone, the ukuleles and handmade percussion of the local string bands. And there was the radio, which brought him exotic voices from across the seas: Nat King Cole, Jim Reeves, Pat Boone and Elvis Presley were a few of his favourites. From these varied sources, Will Crummer forged his personal singing style, blending the crooning of the pop stars with the rich and romantic tradition of Rarotongan song.

In late 2010, Will Crummer went into Neil Finn’s Roundhead Studios to record his first album (Shoebox Lovesongs, Ode Records) in four decades, accompanied by a group which includes daughter Annie on harmonies and pa’u (traditional Rarotongan bass drum) and son Pat on guitar and ukulele. Will is still singing as beautifully and soulfully as ever.

‘It (the music) conveys an exuberant joy of music-making with an infectious charm that insists you join in, even if it is only to grin along.’  Chris Bourke, New Zealand Listener

Hear local musicians Lipscombe and Swan at the Granary Festival Cafe from 6.30pm, no charge.

CREDITS

Will Crummer - lead vocals      

Pat Williams - vocals, ukulele, guitar, Island log drums

Selina Patia - vocals, ukulele, guitar, log drums 

Harry Tumupu - vocals, ukulele, guitar, bongos

Annie Crummer - vocals, Island bass drum       

Darsha Brothers - Cook Island dancers

VENUE  

The Festival Tent

DATE

Sun 9 Oct 8.30pm

DURATION 

60 minutes, no interval

COST 

early bird A res $38, B res $34
full A res $ 42, B res $38
under 18 A res $30, B res $26

Bookings

Everyman Records 03 548 3083 or book online here

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